SME 3009 S2 IMPROVED. Almost perfect condition EXCEPT FOR marks on arm from a damaged armclip. The armrest and clip have been replaced to ensure no recurrence of this problem, but the old marks will still be there. All the other parts are pristine.

Though some aspects of SME arms were improved with the III, in some ways it was a case of two steps forward and one back. I feel the III would be an even better arm without the detachable wand. The S2 Improved has, I feel, a better decoupled counterweight system than the unimproved S2. With the heavier counterweight, inertia is reduced by enabling cartridge balance closer to the pivots. The fixed headshell also minimises contacts and solder joints when compared to detachable headshell versions.

The arm is complete with original cable loom (not shown) and bias weight (omitted from some photos by mistake). There are no templates, tools, manual or original packaging.

Please note I do not hype up descriptions to encourage higher bids. See my feedback, I tell it like it is.

Please note I have allowed 50p for packing material in all postage costs. EU postage is GBP10.11, Rest of the World GBP15.92, insured and signature on delivery (Airsure if possible - an additional GBP0.70, worth it for package tracking and peace of mind). ZERO rated bidders please get in touch first. Bidders with no intention of completing the transaction, kindly find something else to do with yourselves.

Oh yeah, what is this I see about 'metal topped' Rega Planar plinths. To my knowledge it is a laminate (formica etc.) with a brush metal effect. Not quite the same thing. Owners of Regas should also check the flatness of their plinths, particularly early Planar 2s. I have had to rebuild a few for friends - as their plinths had warped. Cartridge Azimuth was upset as a result and the platters were yawing by up to 1mm. Not good.

Another observation: someone is selling square section belts for use with Regas. To my mind, the contact point at the pulley will be different to that of a round belt and the belt will twist from 45 deg around the pulley to 0deg as it goes round the subplatter. Another ebayer has told me it seems to run ok at 33 1/3 but slow at 45rpm. Does that mean Rega pulleys are 'normally fast at 33 1/3 and correct at 45 or not correct at all?

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ATTENTION! CHANGES TO OVERSEAD POSTAGE COSTS: I FORGOT TO ADD INSURANCE COST, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE AN EXTRA GBP2.00. THEREFORE EU IS  GBP12:11 and REST of the WORLD GBP17.92.  Sorry for any inconvenience. If you look around, you will see I do not 'load' the postage like some other ebayers. There is an SME on ebay with GBP13.95 for 2nd class UK postage, not even Special Delivery which I know will cost me GBP6.40 insured up to GBP500.00. What is the extra money for?